Delay of killer's execution sought

Federal public defenders question competence

12:36 AM,
Apr. 16, 2012

Written by

SEAN O'SULLIVAN
The News Journal

WILMINGTON -- The Delaware Federal Public Defender's Office is seeking to stop the execution early Friday of convicted killer Shannon Johnson, who last month waived all of his appeals in order to speed his lethal injection sentence.

This is at least the third time federal defenders have tried to force their way into the case and represent Johnson, despite the fact that Johnson already has court-appointed counsel and has stated repeatedly that he does not want the assistance of federal defenders and does not want his execution delayed.